"...Christians are simply trying to point out that no matter what seems right to Hollywood, if it counters biblical principles, Christians are commanded to speak up. God will forgive us, but not until..." (Read the rest of the story.)

Local news reported, "An official close to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denied a report from Egypt on Wednesday that Hamas would have to recognize Israel to join the next government." I suppose that makes sense since most Israelis wouldn't recognize Palestine as a state. The best answer? Introduce both sides to the Kingdom of God!

Did you hear the one about the church that decided to tithe? I guess she decided to do what she'd been asking church members to do :-)

Church votes 10% of gifts for Cooperative Program missions.

“The way I look at the Cooperative Program and have for a kazillion years is that the Scripture commands us to tithe and, in my way of thinking, the Cooperative Program is like the church’s tithe,” said Virginia Barker, a Sunday School teacher and stewardship committee member. “If we are encouraging our people to give no less than a tithe, it’s my belief the church should give no less than a tithe to the Cooperative Program.”

Our landlord has been taking a computer class and often asks me to come sit with him to review his class notes and assignments. These opportunities allow me to share material with him that tell of Jesus as well as have the chance to talk at length. Last Saturday was no different except when I handed him the magazine he said, "You know, I hate Christianity because of Christians - but not you. You're different."

I told him of an encounter with God I once had when He said, "If your idea of Christianity was based on those who aren't really Mine, what would you do?" Our talk naturally went to the same thing about "true Muslims," but we managed to get back to Jesus. I could tell the hardness of his heart would eventually be worn away by the ongoing stream of your intercession. Even rocks are worn away by water. Thank you for praying :-)

+ Scott asked for your intercession to once again get the architect moving with the latest updates to the Garden plan... while he gave me a colored layout of the five phases of completion, the costs per phase were 'still being figured' (sigh); however, I am thankful the step of progress. *UPDATE* Those breakdown costs by phase arrived yesterday and will soon be published to www.ipcj.org/cd

+ The director of the Lazarus Home had asked Shirin to do a cooking/nutrition class. Shirin had found a lady who wanted to teach the class with her, so you joined them in praying for the right time to begin the classes and for the six to eight girls in the class to be open to the Good News... Shirin adds, "Thank you for joining us in prayer. We will start the classes in mid to late February."

+ Jasmine wanted her friends to get ready to know Jesus, so you joined her in praying for them... Jasmine says, "It looks like it's working and they're almost ready." Thank you for praying.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Scott needs an extra measure of grace as he, uh, "fixes" about nine computers this week. Pray, too, that he keep his eyes open for opportunities to tell of the One Who fixed his life.

<>< Pray with us that Jasmine will stay focused at her schools (local and home) and stay healthy as she deals with wiggly and coming in teeth.

<>< Jasmine asks for your prayers to do well on her studies.

<* Pray for the Central Tai (Siamese) of Thailand.><

CALENDAR UPDATES

<If you're not receiving our bimonthly snail-mail newsletter, let us know so we can send it to you!><

1, focus on Main Thing for this month

* It's easy to remember when their are so many lost people around us.

2, Ask God to bring more ladies to Himself thru the Bible study in the Old City.

* Shirin writes, "Your ongoing prayers are greatly appreciated. The Bible study meets once a week now, which allows us to do more home visits and one-on-one discipleship."

3, Ask God to keep us healthy.

* God has blessed us with strong health this winter!

4, Give thanks for the website volunteer team as they work on the People Group Enlistment website coming soon!

* www.ipcj.org will be a great blessing!

5, We are ever so grateful for your tithe as part of it goes to our direct support.

* Amen and amen... dig deep and give until it feels good!

6, safe food

* Monday is usually our grocery shopping day and, so far, the food has been safe.

7, Thank you for praying so faithfully!

* Indeed, we could do nothing without it.